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Three Blackhawks Who Could Be Traded At Or Before The NHL Trade Deadline
The rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks will be sellers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. Let's look at who they could move.
The Chicago Blackhawks currently have a 17-31-6 record and are at the bottom of the Central Division standings. With this, they are clearly expected to be sellers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline.
They already got their trading started when they dealt Taylor Hall to the Carolina Hurricanes back on Jan. 24. Let's look at three more Blackhawks who could get traded.
Seth Jones
On the Jan. 17 episode of TSN Insider Trading, Darren Dreger reported that teams had been calling the Blackhawks about defenseman Seth Jones. Therefore, he is a Blackhawk to watch as March 7 approaches.
Jones, 30, would have the potential to be a significant addition to a team needing help on the right side of their defense. The 2013 first-round pick is having a solid season with Chicago, posting six goals and 26 points in 37 games. However, the big obstacles in a potential Jones trade are his $9.5-million cap hit until the end of 2029-30 and his full no-movement clause.
Ryan Donato
Ryan Donato is a clear Blackhawks trade candidate for the upcoming deadline. The 28-year-old forward is a pending unrestricted free agent who should generate plenty of interest from contenders. This is especially so when noting that he plays both down the middle and on the wing. He also has an affordable $2-million cap hit.
Donato has 18 goals and a career-high 36 points – four of which came against the Predators on Friday – in 52 games this season with the Blackhawks. With numbers like these, he could be a nice addition to a playoff club looking for more secondary scoring.
Connor Murphy
In his most recent 32 Thoughts column, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman wrote that Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy has "plenty of eyes on him" and that he generated interest last season. Thus, it is fair to say he is another Blackhawk we could see get moved.
Teams looking for a shutdown defenseman who plays top-four minutes and kills penalties should be in the mix for Murphy. He also has another year left on his contract with a reasonable $4.4-million cap hit, adding to his appeal. In 41 games this season, he has one goal, 13 points, 71 hits, and 99 blocks.
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Ranking The New Final Three Potential Utah NHL Names
The Utah Hockey Club is down to three choices for their team name, so let's rank them.
For a long time, it felt that the Utah Hockey Club would make Yeti their team name. However, that is officially off the table, as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rejected the Yeti name for Utah. This was because the brand Yeti – popular purveyors of various coolers, drinkware and more – was "ultimately unwilling to agree to a co-existence agreement," the team announced.
Now, Utah has three options for its team name: Utah Hockey Club, Utah Mammoth, and Utah Outlaws. Utah Wasatch was initially a final option, but the club swapped it out for Outlaws. This was easily the right call because, well, Wasatch was an atrocious choice.
With this, let's rank Utah's final three potential names now.
3. Utah Hockey Club
When I ranked Utah's potential name options in April 2024, Utah Hockey Club was at the bottom. I argued that the name would be "incredibly bland" and that a team "should have an identity along with its location."
As Utah is close to completing its first season in the NHL, I will say that the Hockey Club name has grown on me a bit. However, I still feel that this is the worst option of the final three, mainly because I still believe a team should have an actual name. However, if this is the route they take, I won't dislike it as much as I would have before.
2. Mammoth
Back on my previous list, Mammoth secured the No. 3 spot. Now, nine months later, it is still a name that I think has the potential to be a hit for Utah.
If Utah chooses Mammoth as their team name, they could create an excellent logo for their jersey, given the extinct animal's large size and tusks. Thus, this could be a fun avenue for Utah to go down.
1. Outlaws
With Yeti off the board, Outlaws is, without a doubt, my favorite team name remaining. When I did my previous ranking of Utah names, I had Outlaws tied with Yeti for first place.
Utah could make such an outstanding logo if they went with Outlaws as their name. In addition, this option just sounds the most like a true hockey team name.
Which team name do you like the best? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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Three Potential Trade Destinations For Rangers' Kaapo Kakko
Kaapo Kakko is one of the many New York Rangers players in the rumor mill. Which teams could look to acquire him?
The New York Rangers started their major roster shakeup earlier this month, trading former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. While they already made a significant move, the expectation is that they are not done yet.
Kaapo Kakko is one Rangers forward who could be moved. NHL insider Darren Dreger reported last month that the young winger has been put on the trade block.
Kakko has been in the rumor mill for quite some time, so a change of scenery may do him justice. Due to this, let's go over three teams who could look to trade for the 2019 second-overall pick.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames could be a team to watch when it comes to Kakko.
After parting ways with several notable names since last season, the Flames have a solid 14-11-5 record. Thus, the retooling squad could be open to adding players who have the potential to benefit them both in the present and future. At 23 years old, Kakko fits that description.
Kakko could also thrive in Calgary if he is given a more prominent role. When looking at the Flames' roster, he could be a nice fit in their top six and on their special team units. Thus, there could be a good match here.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks could be another intriguing landing spot for Kakko. The Blackhawks need more offense, and if he takes the next step, Kakko has the potential to provide it.
Kakko is also young enough to be a long-term option for the rebuilding Blackhawks. Given their current lineup, he would have a real chance of playing in their top six and power play if acquired.
San Jose Sharks
Although the San Jose Sharks have an 11-16-5 record, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the team. Rookie star Macklin Celebrini has lived up to the hype, and they have several other young players with high potential.
However, the Sharks' roster could use another skilled winger. Thus, a young player with upside like Kakko could be a great fit on a rebuilding team on the rise like San Jose. He could also potentially have a more prominent role on the rebuilding squad if acquired, which could accelerate his development.
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Three New York Rangers Who Could Be Traded Next
The Rangers got their roster shakeup started by trading former captain Jacob Trouba. Which Rangers could be on the move next?
The New York Rangers have officially started their roster shakeup by trading former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Trouba has been in the rumor mill since this past off-season and things picked up again late last month when NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Rangers were ready to make roster changes.
While the Rangers have made their first big trade of the season, they're likely not done making moves. Due to this, let's discuss three Blueshirts who could be traded next.
Chris Kreider, LW
Chris Kreider is another big-name Rangers player who Friedman reported could be on the move, so he is a clear player to watch.
Kreider, 33, should draw interest from teams looking to add a top-six winger. This is because he is an impactful power forward who is a major scoring threat and throws the body. In addition, he has had at least 36 goals in the previous three seasons. He is also on pace to achieve this again, as he has 10 goals in his first 22 games this season.
Kreider carries a $6.5 million cap hit until the completion of the 2026-27 season and has a 15-team no-trade list for the remainder of his deal.
Kaapo Kakko, RW
Kaapo Kakko is another Rangers winger who has the potential to be dealt. NHL insider Darren Dreger recently reported that the 2019 second-overall pick's name has resurfaced in the trade market and could be moved.
Kakko, 23, is an easier player for the Rangers to flip if they wish to. Unlike Kreider, he has zero trade protection and cannot block any potential move. He also has a reasonable $2.4 million cap hit for the season.
As a former top prospect, Kakko should generate interest around the league. In 24 games this season, the Turku, Finland native has four goals, 13 points, and a plus-10 rating.
Ryan Lindgren, D
Ryan Lindgren is another Ranger who should be watched this season. With the Rangers shaking up their roster and Lindgren being a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), he could be expendable if they do not view him as a long-term part of their plans.
If Lindgren is officially made available, he could be a popular target for teams looking for help on the left side of their defense. This is because he can play top-pairing minutes and thrives on the penalty kill.
Lindgren, 26, has appeared in 20 games this season, where he has one goal, four points, 32 hits, and a plus-1 rating.
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New York Rangers, Igor Shesterkin Reportedly Agree To Record-Setting Extension. What's Next?
The New York Rangers agreed with star goalie Igor Shesterkin on a massive extension after trading their captain, according to reports. Here are three options for what could be next.
It has been a big day for the New York Rangers. After trading former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, they have now made another massive move.
The Rangers have agreed to terms with star goalie Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year, $92-million contract extension, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan and Kevin Weekes, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and other outlets. The team has yet to make an announcement.
Starting next season, he's expected to carry an $11.5-million cap hit.
Shesterkin was eligible to become a UFA this upcoming off-season. However, by finalizing this new extension, the Rangers will keep their franchise goalie around for several years to come.
Shesterkin's new deal is now the most expensive ever signed by an NHL goalie. Carey Price's eight-year, $84-million deal was previously the biggest goalie contract in NHL history. Shesterkin's new extension will pay him $8 million more by the end of it.
Shesterkin, 28, has an 8-9-1 record, a .908 save percentage and a 3.05 goals-against average in 18 appearances this season with the Rangers. The 2014 fourth-round pick has hit a bit of a rough patch lately, losing each of his last five starts.
Last season, Shesterkin had a 36-17-2 record, a 2.58 GAA and a .913 SP. His career totals to date are 231 games, a 143-68-18 record, a 2.48 GAA, .920 SP and 16 shutouts.
While the Rangers have checked a massive item off their to-do list by extending Shesterkin, they might still not be done making moves after that and forcing their captain to leave them. But what could they do next?
Let's discuss three possible paths the Rangers could go down.
Option No. 1: Target A New Defenseman
While trading Trouba and his entire $8-million cap hit has its clear benefits, the Rangers have also created a hole in their blueline.
Right now, their six defensemen are Ryan Lindgren, Adam Fox, K'Andre Miller, Braden Schneider, Zachary Jones and Victor Mancini.
Because of this, they could look to add another defenseman before the NHL trade deadline passes on March 7.
The Montreal Canadiens' David Savard, Pittsburgh Penguins' Marcus Pettersson, San Jose Sharks' Cody Ceci, Columbus Blue Jackets' Ivan Provorov and Philadelphia Flyers' Rasmus Ristolainen are a few notable defensemen who have created chatter in the rumor mill this season. Adding any of these five would give the Rangers a nice boost on a cheaper cap hit than their now-former captain's contract.
After trading Trouba, the Rangers would be wise to add an experienced defender to replace him. Even acquiring a cheaper depth defenseman could be worthwhile.
Option No. 2: Sell Another Player For More Cap Space
The Rangers freed up a lot of cap space by trading Trouba, last season's winner of the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. However, with the Blueshirts willing to shake up their roster, even if it means continuing to threaten to put players on waivers to make a move, trading another player certainly should not be ruled out.
Freeing up more cap space would allow the Rangers to reallocate money and bring in a big-name player potentially.
Option No. 3: Simply Stand Pat
While plenty of speculation surrounds the Rangers, they could also decide to simply stand pat. Trading away their captain was a franchise-changing move, so that could be enough of a wake-up call for them to get things back on track.
Although the Rangers have struggled lately, they still have plenty of talent on their roster. If their stars heat back up and they start playing like they did at the beginning of the season, it could lead them to be more conservative with their roster moving forward.
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Washington Capitals Look Like The New Early Winners Of The 2024 NHL Off-Season
The Washington Capitals are thriving so far in 2024-25, thanks partly to some savvy acquisitions during the NHL off-season.
The Washington Capitals have been one of the NHL's biggest surprises this season.
Many viewed the Capitals as a bubble team heading into this campaign, but they instead have one of the best records in the NHL.
The Capitals sport a 17-6-2 record and are tied for first with the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference with 36 points. However, the Capitals have three games in hand over the Devils, which shows how incredible they've been playing.
Last season, the Capitals finished with a 40-31-11 record and just snuck into the playoffs. They also ended the year with a minus-37 goal differential. They have a plus-31 goal differential this season.
A big reason for the Capitals' major turnaround is Alex Ovechkin's remarkable start to the campaign before fracturing his left fibula. However, he is not the only reason, as several of the Capitals' summer additions are making an impact.
With the Nashville Predators struggling despite signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei, the Capitals now look like the off-season winners so far.
Jakob Chychrun has undoubtedly been an outstanding addition thus far. His eight goals in 20 games have him tied with Zach Werenski and Cale Makar for first among all NHL defensemen. He also has 15 points, so he is providing solid offense from the point.
Goaltender Logan Thompson has thrived early on in his Capitals tenure, too. The Calgary native has a 10-1-2 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.52 goals-against average. In his three losses, two of them had a save percentage of at least .935. With numbers like these, he has provided the Capitals with much-needed stability between the pipes.
While there was some clear risk in trading for Pierre-Luc Dubois after his down year with the Los Angeles Kings, he is off to a nice start with the Capitals. In 25 games, he has just three goals, but he is setting up offense, as his 13 assists show.
Matt Roy has been a solid addition to the Capitals' top four due to his steady defensive play and physicality. He has one goal, five points, 25 blocks, 30 hits, and a plus-5 rating in 15 games.
More depth summer Capitals additions, such as Taylor Raddysh (11 points), Jakub Vrana (seven points in 16 games) and the penalty-killing Brandon Duhaime have all been pleasant surprises and have given Washington a bit more secondary offensive production.
After an underwhelming 2023-24 season, the Capitals significantly retooled their roster instead of rebuilding, even when the latter once looked like the better route. Right now, their moves are paying off nicely, and they are making a real case for themselves as one of, if not the biggest, early winners of the 2024 NHL off-season.
Do you think the Capitals had the best off-season in the NHL, or do you think that title belongs to another team? Share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum. And get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here.
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Three Potential Trade Destinations For Rangers' Jacob Trouba
New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba is creating plenty of chatter in the rumor mill. Let's discuss three potential trade destinations for the Rangers' captain.
Earlier this week, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the New York Rangers are ready to shake up their roster due to their ongoing struggles.
Friedman specifically mentioned defenseman Jacob Trouba as one of the Rangers' available players.
Trouba should generate interest, as he is a right-shot, top-four defenseman who plays a heavy game and kills penalties. However, his $8-million cap hit until next season and 15-team no-trade list creates some obstacles.
Nevertheless, let's discuss three teams that could look to acquire him.
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings were heavily linked to Trouba during this past off-season, so they are a clear team to watch in the sweepstakes. They have had a tough start to the season, as their 10-11-2 record demonstrates. They have also won only four out of their last ten games, so GM Steve Yzerman could look to make a move soon.
There's no question that the Red Wings could use a defender like Trouba right now. The Rochester, Mich. native would provide them an upgrade for their second pairing and would instantly become a significant part of their penalty kill if acquired.
If Trouba is more open to a move to the Red Wings this season, they could be the perfect landing spot for the veteran.
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres were rumored to be interested in Trouba last off-season, so they could be another club to watch. Similar to the Red Wings, the Sabres are another Atlantic Division club that could use a top-four, right-shot defenseman. They also have plenty of cap space to work with, so Trouba's salary would not be an issue.
The Sabres currently have an 11-10-2 record and are one of several Eastern Conference teams fighting for a playoff spot. Thus, they could benefit from adding a veteran defender like Trouba to their group as they look to take that next step.
Chicago Blackhawks
If he is willing to be traded there, the Chicago Blackhawks could be an interesting landing spot for Trouba.
The Blackhawks are an exciting team on the rise, with Connor Bedard being the superstar youngster they are building around. With this, it would not be too surprising if the Blackhawks looked to add a proven leader like Trouba to mentor their young players and help develop their culture.
Trouba would also boost the Blackhawks' blueline and could be a perfect fit on their second pairing. In addition, he would make the rebuilding Blackhawks a more challenging team to go up against because of his hard-nosed style of play.
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Three Potential Trade Destinations For Rangers' Chris Kreider
New York Rangers left winger Chris Kreider is creating significant chatter in the rumor mill. Let's discuss three potential trade destinations for the power forward.
On Monday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the New York Rangers made it clear they are ready to shake up their roster.
Friedman named left winger Chris Kreider as one of the players available, and he should generate a ton of interest.
Kreider is a consistent 30-goal threat who also plays a very heavy game. His points pace is a bit down from past seasons, with nine goals and no assists in 19 games, but he's proven to be a difference-maker with four game-winning goals.
Let's go over three specific clubs that could look to acquire him.
Buffalo Sabres
It is no secret the Buffalo Sabres are looking to bring in a proven top-six winger. The Sabres would make a lot of sense as a potential suitor for the Boxford, Mass., native.
If the Sabres acquired Kreider, he could be a perfect addition for either of their top two lines and power play. The Sabres also have the cap space to take on his $6.5-million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Kreider would be an excellent target for a rising Sabres club looking to break their 13-year playoff drought. However, Kreider has a 15-team no-trade list, so if the Sabres are on it, they need to prove they can be competitive enough for Kreider to leave a promising Rangers squad for an Atlantic Division rival.
Detroit Red Wings
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Detroit Red Wings were expected to take the next step and compete for a playoff spot.
So far, things have gone poorly for the Red Wings, as they have a 9-10-2 record and have won four out of their last 10 games. They could use a significant move right now.
It is fair to argue the Red Wings would benefit from adding another top-six winger. Only Dylan Larkin has more goals than Kreider does, and only four forwards have at least 10 points. Acquiring a scoring winger with term, such as Kreider, could be incredible for the Original Six club.
Utah Hockey Club
After a big off-season of spending, the Utah Hockey Club has an 8-10-3 record. They have also been trending in the wrong direction, winning just three out of their last 10 games. Perhaps these struggles could spark GM Bill Armstrong to try to make a splash and acquire Kreider.
Kreider would give Utah a significant upgrade for the second-line left-wing spot, which is currently Jack McBain. Having Clayton Keller, Chris Kreider, Mattias Maccelli and McBain down the left side would be fantastic depth.
Utah has about $7.78 million in cap space and trade assets, including three second-round picks in 2026, to pull off a potential Kreider trade. While the goal is to compete without sacrificing too much of the future for the now, Kreider's shown he can still be effective in the long run. They should be a team to watch in the sweepstakes.
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Three NHL Players Struggling With Their New Teams
While some NHLers have been thriving in new environments, these three players have not had the hottest of starts with their new clubs.
During the off-season, we saw various notable players join new teams. While some have already been early successes for their new clubs, other players have struggled thus far.
Therefore, let's examine three NHL players who are off to rough starts with their new teams this season.
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators
After a legendary 16-year stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Steven Stamkos signed a four-year, $32-million contract with the Nashville Predators this past summer. The future Hall of Famer had a strong final season in Tampa, posting 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games. However, he has not translated that kind of production over to Nashville early on.
Stamkos has had a slow start with the Predators, recording six goals, 10 points, and a minus-14 rating in 20 games. He has not necessarily broken through yet, either, as he has just five points over his last nine games.
Given Stamkos' elite skill, he undoubtedly has the potential to heat back up. However, it is hard not to say that his start in Nashville has been underwhelming.
Elias Lindholm, Boston Bruins
During the off-season, the Boston Bruins signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25-million contract. The move was unsurprising, as the Bruins desperately needed a top-six center and had been connected to Lindholm for quite some time.
Lindholm made an impact in his first three games as a Bruin, posting two goals and five points. However, things have gone terribly for the 2013 first-round pick since.
Lindholm has scored just a single goal in the last 18 games and has just four assists over that span. He is expected to be an impactful offensive contributor for the Bruins, but he is far from it right now. If the Bruins hope to turn their season around, they will need Lindholm to get going.
Linus Ullmark, Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators made a big splash this off-season when they acquired Linus Ullmark from the Bruins. It was no secret that they needed an upgrade between the pipes, so landing a star like Ullmark was massive. They then signed Ullmark to a four-year, $33-million contract extension before the start of the season.
However, Ullmark has had a challenging start to his tenure with the Senators. In his first 12 appearances this season, the 31-year-old has a 4-6-1 record, a 3.00 goals-against average, and a .887 save percentage. He has also allowed five goals in three out of his last six starts.
While Ullmark's start in Ottawa has not been the best, he has the skill to turn things around. Just last season with the Bruins, he had a 22-10-7 record and a .915 save percentage. This was after he won the Vezina Trophy and William M. Jennings Trophy in 2022-23.
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Three NHL Teams In Prime Positions to Make Big Trades In 2024-25
With enough cap space and draft capital, these three NHL teams could make big moves next season.
Each NHL season sees clubs make a splash on the trade front with pending free agents or draft capital, so it seems safe to expect the same in 2024-25.
NHL teams are always looking to improve their rosters, for the short term or long term, depending on a team's competitive cycle. This is especially true once the trade deadline approaches.
However, which teams are best positioned to make notable upgrades this upcoming campaign? Let's discuss three NHL clubs that stand out now.
Nashville Predators
Last week, the Nashville Predators traded top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks. One of the main pieces the Predators received from the Sharks is the Vegas Golden Knights' 2025 first-round pick.
The Predators are now an expected playoff team with three first-rounders for next year alone. They are also entering 2024-25 with more than S3 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, so they are in a nice place to make a significant trade next season.
Predators GM Barry Trotz made several notable additions to the club's roster this summer, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei in free agency.
Trotz clearly has faith in the Predators and views them as a genuine threat in the Western Conference already. That could mean they can aggressively add NHL-ready talent with their draft capital.
Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club's first off-season was a smashing success.
GM Bill Armstrong wants the NHL's newest team to be more competitive out of the gate, as he added Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino, Ian Cole and Kevin Stenlund this summer.
However, given Utah's current situation, it would not be surprising in the slightest if Armstrong stayed busy during the season.
Utah is still in an excellent position to add to the group with three second-round picks in 2026 and a strong prospect pool. They are also projected to have just under $10 million of cap space heading into 2024-25, per PuckPedia, so they could likely add one or two players without having to move out another contract if the opportunity arises.
Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams boosted the Sabres' forward depth this summer, adding Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Jason Zucker, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Beck Malenstyn. Yet, the Sabres have yet to add that highly coveted top-six scoring winger they have been searching for.
Don't be surprised if Adams looks to change that this season, especially if Buffalo is in the hunt to end its 13-year playoff drought.
Even after making multiple additions this summer, the Sabres are still in a great place financially, sporting just more than $8.4 million of cap space. The Sabres also possess all their draft picks in the next three drafts, and they already took advantage of their stellar prospect pool to trade Savoie.
They have a golden chance to make a significant trade next season if the right opportunity arises to move the needle now while developing a promising group for the future.
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Which Blackhawks Players Could Be Traded in 2024-25?
With the Chicago Blackhawks still rebuilding, more of their players could be moved during the 2024-25 season.
The Chicago Blackhawks have had a busy off-season, bringing in players like Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, T.J. Brodie, Alec Martinez, Pat Maroon, Laurent Brossoit and Ilya Mikheyev. While they should be a bit more competitive after adding several new players, they are not expected to compete for a playoff spot just yet in 2024-25.
The Blackhawks are still rebuilding and could trade some of their players this season because of it. Let's discuss three specific Blackhawks trade candidates for the 2024-25 campaign now.
Taylor Hall, LW
Taylor Hall is a clear player to watch in trade talks this season. The 2010 first-overall pick is entering the final season of his contract and would be a very appealing rental for playoff teams looking to add more offense and experience to their middle six.
However, Hall's biggest red flag right now is his health. The 2018 Hart Memorial Trophy recipient was limited to only 10 games this past season after undergoing ACL surgery this past November. However, he recently shared that he has completed his recovery and is expected to be cleared to return for training camp. Thus, barring any sudden changes, the top trade candidate should be ready for the start of the season.
Overall, Hall has the potential to be a very impactful offensive contributor when healthy, so if he is made available near the deadline, he should be a hot commodity this season.
Andreas Athanasiou, C
Like Hall, Andreas Athanasiou is another Blackhawks forward who struggled to stay healthy in 2023-24. In 28 games for the Original Six club on the year, he posted two goals and nine points. Overall, while it was a down year for the Woodbridge, Ontario native, he has the potential to bounce back and grab the attention of playoff clubs.
Athanasiou showed back in 2022-23 that he can provide strong secondary scoring. In 81 games with the Blackhawks that season, he had 20 goals and 40 points. If the pending UFA gets his offense back up to similar totals and stays healthy, he could be an appealing trade target for teams needing more production in their top nine. This is especially so when noting that he can play both down the middle and on the wing.
Alec Martinez, D
While Martinez was one of the Blackhawks' top additions of the summer, the possibility of him being traded before the 2025 NHL trade deadline is there. The Rochester Hills, Mich. native only signed for one year with the Blackhawks and has zero trade protection, so he is a prime rental candidate.
The Blackhawks brought in Martinez to provide their young players with another mentor as they continue their rebuild. However, when noting that he is an effective veteran defenseman with three Stanley Cups on his resume, he could be a valuable trade chip for Chicago at the deadline.
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Time Flies: Four NHL Players Entering Their 20th Seasons in 2024-25
The NHL has four big-name players who will play their 20th season during the 2024-25 campaign.
It is rare for players to last in the NHL for at least 20 seasons.
Only 69 players have hit the 20-year milestone in NHL history, with Brent Burns and Marc-Andre Fleury being the latest this past season.
Four players are set to play their 20th NHL campaigns in the 2024-25 season. Here they are.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
It may be shocking to believe, but Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby is entering the 20th season of his NHL career. It feels like yesterday that 'Sid the Kid' was the NHL's most prominent and brightest young star.
While a lot of time has passed since Crosby's likely Hall of Fame career started, he has not shown any signs of slowing down. The 2005 first-overall pick is still the Penguins' best player by far and remains offensively dominant. He led Pittsburgh with 42 goals and 94 points in 82 games last season.
Although Crosby is in his late 30s, he is easily among hockey's best forwards. The possibility of him producing at more than a point-per-game pace for the 20th season in a row is not just possible but expected.
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Crosby's longtime rival and fellow superstar, Alex Ovechkin, is also entering the 20th year of his NHL career. The 2004-05 NHL lockout meant Ovechkin started his career at the same time as Crosby, despite being drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals the year before.
Similar to Crosby, Ovechkin is still a star at this juncture of his career. The 38-year-old's numbers last season were a bit down compared to years prior but were still good, as he posted 31 goals and 65 points in 79 games. Considering 22 of his goals came after the all-star break, and he had 50 and 42 goals in the seasons prior, his totals could jump back up in 2024-25.
Ovechkin can also make hockey history in his 20th season, as he needs just 42 goals to pass Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL's all-time leader in that category. And he reportedly has his sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics as well.
Corey Perry, Edmonton Oilers
Instead of hanging up the skates, Corey Perry signed a one-year, $1.15-million contract to stay with the Edmonton Oilers this July.
The days of the 2003 first-round pick being a star top-six forward are gone, but he is still an effective bottom-six player at this juncture of his career. His gritty play and experience have made him a nice part of the Oilers' roster, and he will look to contribute timely depth production next season.
Perry is also entering 2024-25 with extra motivation, as he suffered his fourth Stanley Cup final defeat in five years this past spring. Winning his first Stanley Cup since 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks would be a great way to finish off his 20th year – and possibly his NHL career.
Ryan Suter, St. Louis Blues
Ryan Suter is the final player gearing up for his 20th NHL season in 2024-25. The Madison, Wis., native was bought out by the Dallas Stars earlier this summer but found a new home in mid-July with the St. Louis Blues.
At this juncture of his career, Suter is no longer a top-pairing defenseman but still is serviceable in a bottom-pairing role. He will provide the Blues with more experience and reliable defensive play. The 39-year-old is also very durable, not missing a single game in each of the last four seasons.
Overall, Suter has had a strong career, posting 105 goals, 681 points and a plus-120 rating in 1,444 NHL games thus far. From here, seeing how he adds to his career stats during his 20th year will be interesting.
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Looking Back At Former NHL Captains Who Lost the 'C'
With the Toronto Maple Leafs set to change their captain, let's take a look at some other times big-name players lost the 'C.'
Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews was formally announced as the Original Six club's new captain on Wednesday.
With this, John Tavares will no longer be the club's captain. However, it is important to note that Tavares isn't necessarily being stripped of the captaincy, as he was heavily involved in the process of the switch and fully supports it.
While it is a big deal that the Maple Leafs are making a captaincy change, fans have seen it multiple times around the league. Let's discuss some of the most notable captain changes in recent NHL history.
Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets (2016-17 to 2021-22)
Blake Wheeler was a crucial part of the Winnipeg Jets' roster during his prime years.
With Winnipeg, he cemented himself as a legitimate NHL star, and he later became their captain because of it.
However, after the 2021-22 season, former Jets coach Rick Bowness stripped Wheeler of the 'C' and expected the club's younger players to take on more significant leadership roles.
After losing the captaincy, Wheeler played one more season with the Jets before being bought out during the 2023 off-season.
The Jets also named Adam Lowry as their new captain for the 2023-24 season, officially beginning a new leadership era in Winnipeg.
Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks (2003-04 to 2008-09)
Patrick Marleau will forever be among the best players in San Jose Sharks history. However, things were not always peachy in San Jose, as Marleau was notably stripped of the Sharks' captaincy after they were upset by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs.
This was a significant change, as Marleau was 11 seasons into his Sharks tenure and already cemented himself as a franchise legend. However, after multiple deflating playoff runs, the Sharks felt new leadership was needed.
From there, legend Rob Blake became their captain for the 2009-10 season before retiring. Then, Joe Thornton took over, and history repeated itself.
Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks (2010-11 to 2013-14)
Thornton became the captain of the Sharks for the 2010-11 season. Since he was their top star and had previous experience as captain of the Boston Bruins, it was an understandable move. However, after more disappointing playoff runs, Thornton suffered the same fate as Marleau and lost the captaincy.
Thornton was stripped of the 'C' after the Sharks blew a 3-0 series lead to the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2013-14 playoffs. From there, the Sharks went with Joe Pavelski, who held the role from 2015-16 to 2018-19 before signing with the Dallas Stars.
Dustin Brown, LA Kings (2008-09 to 2015-16)
Dustin Brown helped lead the Kings to both of their Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. However, his time as the Kings' captain would not be too long after their second Stanley Cup, as he was stripped of the 'C' after the 2015-16 campaign.
The Kings named Anze Kopitar their new captain. He is still holding the role with the Kings heading into 2024-25 as they look to return to contender status.
And while Brown told the Associated Press at the time he respected the decision, he had a problem with how it was handled and that it was a tough pill to swallow.
That said, he had his No. 23 retired in February 2023 and had a statue unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena.
Mike Modano, Dallas Stars (2003-04 to 2005-06)
Mike Modano spent 20 of his 21 NHL seasons with the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars organization. Over that span, he became the franchise's biggest legend. But even with this being the case, he was also stripped of the captaincy after a two-year stint in the role.
After the 2005-06 season, the Stars decided to take away the captaincy from Modano. From there, they went with Brendan Morrow as their new captain, but Modano stuck around with Dallas before ending his career with the Detroit Red Wings in 2010-11.
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Which Canadiens Players Could Be Traded in 2024-25?
With the Montreal Canadiens still rebuilding, they will likely be sellers again this season. Which players could be on the move in 2024-25 because of it?
The Montreal Canadiens are heading in the right direction with their rebuild, but they still have more work to do before they take that next step and become a playoff threat. Due to this, it seems likely that the Canadiens will sell off some pieces during the 2024-25 campaign.
Last season, the Canadiens traded away two notable veterans, Sean Monahan and Jake Allen. They also moved defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic this off-season. Who could be next? Let's discuss some options now.
David Savard, D
David Savard was the subject of trade rumors leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, but the Canadiens elected to keep him. However, given that Savard is a valuable asset entering the final season of his contract, things could change on that front this campaign.
Savard, 33, would be an outstanding addition for a playoff team looking for a steady and gritty defender on their right side. He has plenty of playoff experience and notably won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. All these factors should make him a popular player if the Canadiens make him available this season.
Jake Evans, C
Jake Evans is an interesting player to watch heading into the 2024-25 campaign. At 28 years old, he is still young enough that the Canadiens could look to re-sign him rather than trade him. However, if he does not have a new deal by the time the trade deadline rolls around, the pending UFA could be a hot commodity in trade talks.
Evans is a solid bottom-six forward who can chip in a bit offensively, kill penalties and provide some grit. Due to this, if he is made available this season, don't be surprised if several playoff teams look to acquire him.
Jordan Harris, D
Nearing the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, The Hockey News' Jacob Stoller reported that the Canadiens were shopping Jordan Harris. While a move did not occur during the season, he is undoubtedly a player to keep an eye on this season in the rumor mill.
The Canadiens have a surplus of young and promising defenders, such as Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher, Arber Xhekaj, Logan Mailloux, Justin Barron and Jayden Struble. With this and Harris already being made available last season, the Haverhill, Mass. native could be dealt next season for the right price.
Harris, 24, has shown good upside over the last few seasons and would surely get attention around the league if made available again.
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Who Will Wear the 'C' for Each Captainless NHL Team?
There are currently six NHL teams without a captain. Thus, let's predict which player from each team could change that and sport the 'C.'
As we approach the 2024-25 NHL season, six teams currently lack a captain. This undoubtedly has the potential to change before the upcoming campaign, as teams often pick their next leaders during training camp.
Because of this, let's discuss one player from each of the six teams who could be named their club's next captain now.
Anaheim Ducks: Troy Terry, RW
Cam Fowler is a potential captain candidate for the Ducks, as he has spent all 14 of his NHL seasons with the franchise and is a crucial member of their defense. However, two seasons have passed since former captain Ryan Getzlaf retired, so I feel if Fowler were the Ducks' captain choice, he already would be. Thus, I could see the Ducks going down the younger route with a player like Troy Terry.
The 26-year-old Terry has blossomed into a star for the Ducks over the last few seasons and is locked under contract until the completion of the 2029-30 campaign. Thus, he would be a long-term answer for the Ducks' captaincy if given the role. One other player to watch is youngster Mason McTavish.
Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin, D
Before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline passed, the Buffalo Sabres traded Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers. Since then, the Sabres have been without a captain, but that has the potential to change shortly. When looking at the players on their roster, star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is a prime captain candidate.
Dahlin is not only the Sabres' top star but has also grown as a leader while serving as Buffalo's alternate captain. While a player like Alex Tuch would also be a justifiable choice, I think the Sabres will go with Dahlin because he is the superstar they are building around.
Chicago Blackhawks: Nick Foligno, LW
Superstar forward Connor Bedard should undoubtedly become the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks in the future. However, it is possible that the Blackhawks could have Nick Foligno as their short-term captain while the 19-year-old Bedard continues to adjust to the NHL level. Foligno has been a magnificent leader for the Blackhawks since his arrival and was previously captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Foligno has embraced the Blackhawks' rebuilding process, as evidenced by the 36-year-old signing a two-year, $9-million contract extension with Chicago back in January. With this and his well-known leadership qualities, he would be a perfect pick for the Blackhawks' captaincy.
Seattle Kraken: Jordan Eberle, RW
Since the Seattle Kraken traded Mark Giordano to the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2021-22 season, they have not had a captain. However, they have had Jordan Eberle, Yanni Gourde, Adam Larsson and Jaden Schwartz as their alternate captains every year since their inaugural season. Thus, this quartet stands out as the favorite for the captaincy. Out of the four players, Jordan Eberle might be the most likely option.
Eberle is entering his 15th NHL season, so his plethora of experience could be helpful to the club's young players. In addition, he showed loyalty to the Kraken by signing an extension with them before last season's trade deadline. Perhaps the captaincy could be in his future because of this.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman, D
The Tampa Bay Lightning made a big decision by allowing longtime captain and franchise legend Steven Stamkos to leave through free agency. The Lightning have some great candidates to be their next captain, such as Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli. However, star defenseman Victor Hedman is the clear frontrunner.
Hedman has spent the entirety of his 15-year career with the Lightning and has been the heart of their blueline throughout it. In addition, he has been one of their most important leaders for several years now, so it would be shocking if he is not their next captain.
Utah Hockey Club: Clayton Keller, RW
The Utah Hockey Club is entering its first season and could use a captain to build around. When looking at the players on Utah's roster, star forward Clayton Keller stands out as a prime captain candidate. Keller was the most dominant forward on the Arizona Coyotes for multiple years before the move to Utah and is now entering his ninth season.
Utah has other options, such as Lawson Crouse, Nick Bjugstad and newcomer Mikhail Sergachev, but Keller, who has experience as an alternate captain, stands out as the top player.
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Three Calgary Flames Players Who Could Be Traded Next
The Calgary Flames have traded away several notable players since last season, but with the rebuild still not finished, who could be next?
Since last season, the Calgary Flames have traded away several notable players. Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev were all traded before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, while Jacob Markstrom and Andrew Mangiapane were dealt to new clubs this summer.
With all these trades, it is apparent that the Flames are not afraid to move out talent as they continue retooling their roster. It would not be surprising if this trend continued to the 2024-25 season. But which players could end up moving? Let's discuss three potential candidates now.
Blake Coleman, C
While the Flames had an underwhelming season in 2023-24, Blake Coleman certainly did not. The Plano, Texas native was excellent for the Flames, recording new career highs with 30 goals, 24 assists, and 54 points in 78 contests. He also maintained his gritty style of play with his increased offense, posting 128 hits on the year.
After a season like this, Coleman's value is naturally higher, and the Flames could decide to hear offers for the 2011 third-round pick at least. He is also on the wrong side of 30, which helps his case of being expendable for the right price.
Every team in the NHL would love to have a hard-nosed, skilled player like Coleman in their middle six. Because of this, if the Flames ever put him on the block, he would be an incredibly hot commodity.
Andrei Kuzmenko, LW
The Flames acquired Andrei Kuzmenko as one of the pieces back from the Vancouver Canucks in last season's Lindholm trade. Before the move, Kuzmenko struggled with the Canucks, and his role decreased because of it. As a result, he was primarily included in the trade to help it work financially.
The change of scenery benefitted Kuzmenko greatly, as he bounced back in a big way in Calgary. In 29 games with the Flames following the trade, he posted 14 goals and 25 points. With numbers like these, he certainly has gained some of his value back, and it would not be shocking if the Flames shopped him if they fall out of the playoff race next season. This is especially so when noting that he is entering the final year of his deal and will be an unrestricted free agent next July if not extended.
If the Flames made Kuzmenko available and his hot stretch of play carries over to 2024-25, he would be a popular target for teams looking for a skilled forward in their top six.
Dan Vladar, G
Dan Vladar is another Flame to pay attention to in trade talks this season. The 26-year-old is entering the final season of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent next July if not re-signed. Thus, he could be made available near this season's trade deadline.
Vladar is coming off a down year with the Flames, recording an 8-9-2 record, a 3.62 goals-against average, and a .882 save percentage. While it was not the best year for the 2015 third-round pick, he has had past success in the NHL. For example, in 23 games with the Flames in 2021-22, he had a 13-6-2 record and a .906 SP. If he gets back to that form, he will be an appealing target for clubs needing an upgrade at the backup position.
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Three NHL Stars Who Could Still Be Traded Before the 2024-25 Season
There is still a chance that more NHL stars will be traded before the start of the 2024-25 season, and three specific NHLers stand out above the rest as potential trade targets.
The 2024 NHL Off-season has seen various notable players find new homes through the trade market. Mikhail Sergachev, Linus Ullmark, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Darcy Kuemper, and Jakob Chychrun are some big-name players who were traded this summer.
Now that we are in August, trades around the NHL have cooled off. While this is the case, it is still possible that clubs could look to make some last-minute changes before the start of the season. Due to this, let's discuss three star players who could be traded before the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
Patrik Laine, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Patrik Laine is somebody to watch incredibly closely over these next few weeks. Earlier this off-season, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that Laine and the Columbus Blue Jackets are mutually interested in parting ways. Now that Laine has been cleared to exit the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, trade talks centering around the 26-year-old have the potential to pick up.
Laine was limited to just 18 games this past season with the Blue Jackets, posting six goals and nine points. While it was essentially a lost season for the Tampere, Finland native, he still has the potential to generate interest. Over his two previous seasons with the Blue Jackets, he posted 48 goals and 108 points in 111 games. Thus, when playing at his best, he is a star sniper.
The major obstacle in a potential Laine trade is his $8.7-million cap hit until the completion of the 2025-26 season. That is an expensive price, but given Laine's past success, he could still find a new home before the season begins. This is especially so if Columbus is open to retaining a small portion of his cap hit.
Trevor Zegras, C, Anaheim Ducks
Trevor Zegras has been the subject of trade rumors since this past season. At this juncture, the 2019 ninth-overall pick remains with the Anaheim Ducks, but that could change if the right offer comes around.
The Ducks have an array of young, promising forwards on their roster and in their system, including Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke. Thus, they are in a position to take advantage of Zegras' high trade value and improve their roster elsewhere if they wish to.
Zegras, 23, played in just 31 games this past season with the Ducks, recording six goals and 15 points. Overall, it was a frustrating year for Zegras, but he could still generate plenty of interest over the next few weeks. Keep in mind, in his two previous seasons with the Ducks, he had 23 goals and at least 61 points in each of them. In addition, given his young age, he would also have the potential to be a long-term part of a club's roster if acquired.
Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers has been a top trade candidate all off-season. It is understandable, as the 2014 ninth-overall pick is entering the final season of his contract and will hit the free-agent market next July if he isn't extended. Losing him for nothing through free agency would be brutal for the Jets, so the prospect of him being dealt before the season should not be ruled out.
Ehlers would be an ideal addition for clubs still needing another top-six forward before the start of the season. His stats from last season effectively display this, as he posted 25 goals, 61 points, and a career-best plus-27 rating in 82 games.
Given the Jets' off-season departures and desire to stay competitive, they could elect to hold onto Ehlers. However, if they get an offer they can't refuse for the Aalborg, Denmark native, a trade this summer is still possible.
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Three NHL Teams That Could Be Big Surprises in 2024-25
The 2024-25 NHL season could see some teams take surprising steps forward.
Last NHL season, we saw some teams exceed expectations.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2023-24 campaign was the Vancouver Canucks. After missing the playoffs by 12 points in 2022-23, they shocked the hockey world and won the Pacific Division last season. The Nashville Predators were also a pleasant surprise, as they made it back to the playoffs last season after parting ways with multiple former core players dating back to the 2023 NHL trade deadline.
As we inch closer to the 2024-25 NHL season, we could see more surprise clubs emerge. Let's discuss three teams that could take significant steps next season.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals were a strange team in 2023-24. Although they had a minus-37 goal differential on the year, they secured the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, their playoff run was as short as it gets, as the New York Rangers swept them in the first round.
In response to their quick playoff exit, the Capitals made significant moves this summer. Their newcomers include Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, Andrew Mangiapane, Logan Thompson, Brandon Duhaime and Taylor Raddysh. With these additions, it is apparent the Capitals are not ready to roll over and are instead looking to stay competitive.
After their busy summer, the Capitals could be a threat in the Metropolitan Division. They have added some notable names to their forward group, two top-four defensemen and a potential starting goalie, so fans should not sleep on them heading into 2024-25.
Utah Hockey Club
During their first off-season, the Utah Hockey Club has made it clear they want to be competitive immediately.
They shocked the hockey world when they acquired star defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning at the draft. They also acquired John Marino from the New Jersey Devils and signed Ian Cole in free agency. Needless to say, they have significantly strengthened their blueline this summer, which was a necessity. They also signed Kevin Stenlund, who should be a nice piece for their bottom six.
With these additions, it is fair to wonder if Utah HC could take a big step forward in 2024-25. In addition to building a strong blueline, they also have rising stars like Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Mattias Maccelli and Josh Doan, who could hit new heights.
While the Arizona Coyotes missed the playoffs in 11 out of their final 12 years in the league, Utah HC has the potential to create a winning culture and be competitive out of the gate. While some may have their doubts about the NHL's newest club, they should not slept on.
Buffalo Sabres
It has been 13 years since the Buffalo Sabres have made the playoffs. The 2023-24 season was particularly frustrating for the Sabres, as they were expected to take another step forward after missing the post-season by just one point in 2022-23. Instead, they suffered a setback and finished 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams was aggressive in response to the Sabres' deflating season. He revamped their bottom six, adding Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Beck Malenstyn. While Adams could not land the Sabres their much-coveted top-six winger, their forward group looks deeper heading into 2024-25.
Some may feel pessimism regarding the Sabres' playoff chances in 2024-25, but they should not be ruled out. They not only added some solid forwards this off-season but also have several young players, such as Bowen Byram, Zach Benson, JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn, who could hit higher levels.
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Four NHL Backup Goalies Who Could Earn Starter Duties in 2024-25
These four NHL backups could push for starting goalie jobs next season if their performance in 2023-24 was any indication.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, most NHL clubs have at least a strong idea of who their starting goalies will be.
That said, some backups around the NHL could make real cases for starting jobs next season. Let's take a look at four of them now.
Laurent Brossoit, Chicago Blackhawks
After an impressive 2023-24 season with the Winnipeg Jets, Laurent Brossoit earned a two-year, $6.6-million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.
In 23 games with the Jets, he posted a 15-5-2 record, a 2.00 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. It is hard to expect anything more from a backup.
After a campaign like this, Brossoit should challenge Petr Mrazek for the Blackhawks' starting job next season. Mrazek performed well as the Blackhawks' starter last season, recording a .908 save percentage in 56 games. However, while Mrazek was solid, there's potentially room for Brossoit to outperform him and take the No. 1 spot.
Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are entering next season with questions regarding their goaltending.
John Gibson has long been the subject of trade speculation and had a career-worst .888 save percentage in 46 games last season. Backup Lukas Dostal could have a real chance of taking a greater share of the crease next season.
Dostal, 24, appeared in a career-high 44 games last season with the Ducks, recording a 3.33 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. Dostal notably appeared in six games in April, while Gibson played in just one. The prospect of Dostal being a 1A and Gibson of 1B as a result is worth considering.
Anthony Stolarz, Toronto Maple Leafs
Anthony Stolarz had a stellar season as the Florida Panthers' backup and earned a two-year, $5-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs because of it. The Stanley Cup champion will now provide the Maple Leafs with an experienced netminder to work in tandem with 25-year-old Joseph Woll.
The idea of Stolarz getting a hot streak and earning more starts than Woll shouldn't be overlooked. He could make a real case for himself if he carries over his success from last season to Toronto. This will be especially so if Woll experiences some growing pains as he continues to adjust to the NHL. Remember, Woll only has 36 career NHL regular-season games on his resume.
Semyon Varlamov, New York Islanders
Semyon Varlamov could repeat what he did this past season.
The 36-year-old notably took over the starter gig from star goaltender Ilya Sorokin right before and during the New York Islanders' playoff run.
While the Islanders lost in the first round, Varlamov played well, posting a .914 save percentage in five games.
Islanders coach Patrick Roy has shown he is not afraid to make bold changes. While Sorokin can be a legitimate star goaltender, Varlamov has a real shot of being the club's No. 1 guy if his hot play carries over to next season. It will be an interesting storyline to watch during training camp and onward.
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Which Countries Haven't Had an NHL Captain Win the Stanley Cup? Barkov Is Finland's First
Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov became the first Finnish captain of an NHL team to win the Stanley Cup. Which countries haven't had a Cup-winning captain yet?
Updated (June 24): Aleksander Barkov and the Florida Panthers have won the Stanley Cup.
After taking a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup final, the Florida Panthers blew the lead but won 2-1 in Game 7.
With the win, Barkov made NHL history as the first Finnish captain to lead their team to the Stanley Cup.
The 2013 second-overall pick has been sensational this post-season, recording eight goals and 22 points in 24 games. Besides being effective offensively, his defensive play has also helped the Panthers get this championship.
Non-Canadian Captains Who Won Cup Are Rare
Historically, there have been very few non-Canadian captains of Stanley Cup champions.
In 1999, with the Dallas Stars, Derian Hatcher became the first U.S. captain in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup. Since then, Dustin Brown has been the only other U.S. player to achieve this, captaining the Los Angeles Kings to their 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup wins.
Nicklas Lidstrom became the first European-born-and-trained captain to win the Stanley Cup during the Detroit Red Wings' 2008 run. It took until 2022 for Sweden to have its second captain win the Stanley Cup, as Gabriel Landeskog led the Colorado Avalanche to glory.
Slovakia has a Stanley Cup-winning captain, as Zdeno Chara led the Boston Bruins to their sixth-ever championship in 2011. He also came close to adding two more to his resume, but the Bruins lost the 2013 and 2019 Cup finals.
And after several failed playoff runs, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin became the first Russian-born-and-raised captain to win the Stanley Cup in 2018.
As a result, it will be a huge deal if Barkov can lead the Panthers to their first-ever Stanley Cup. However, we must wait and see if Connor McDavid and the Oilers can shock the Panthers and stop Barkov from making history.
Which Countries Are Left Besides Finland?
Besides Finland, multiple countries with great hockey talent have yet to have a captain win the Stanley Cup.
Czechia is one of them. That may surprise some, as it has had plenty of great players come from their country, including Jaromir Jagr, Patrik Elias, Jakub Voracek, Milan Hejduk and David Krejci. At this juncture, there isn't a captain from Czechia in the NHL, but David Pastrnak could become one for the Boston Bruins when Brad Marchand retires.
Switzerland does not have a Stanley Cup-winning captain, but that could change. Nico Hischier is currently captain of the New Jersey Devils, and they are a good starting goalie away from being a real threat in the Eastern Conference. Roman Josi is also captain of the Nashville Predators, and they took a big step forward in their retool in 2024-25.
While Anze Kopitar was a key member of both of the Kings' previous Stanley Cup wins, he was not their captain at the time. Thus, Slovenia does not have a Stanley Cup-winning captain yet. The potential for the Kings to be contenders is there, but like the Devils, they need upgrades in net.
Germany has yet to have a captain win the Stanley Cup, and that may not change for a while. Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stutzle and Moritz Seider are the best Germans in the NHL right now, but all of them are on teams with captains who won't be losing the 'C' anytime soon.
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